Portland, Ore.— The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) has released the recommended portfolio for Request for Proposals (RFP) 3 of the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), which consists of 71 grants totaling nearly $92 million.
PCEF received 230 proposals for projects in response to its third RFP, which was open from November 2023 through February 15, 2024.
Recommendation
Authorized in the 2023 Climate Investment Plan (CIP), PCEF’s Community Responsive Grants program invests in non-profit led projects that equitably address Portland’s climate action needs. RFP 3 marks the first funding opportunity under the CIP. As part of this initiative, PCEF staff is recommending that City Council approve $91,916,334 to support 71 projects in the RFP 3 grant portfolio.
“Through the incredible response we received to our third RFP, we have witnessed the growth in capacity of our community organizations,” said PCEF Program Manager Sam Baraso. “This shows us the urgent need for climate action projects that increase resiliency in our communities. That need is not tomorrow, but right now. And our partners are eager to keep this positive momentum going.”
RFP 3 recommended-portfolio quick facts
- The estimated lifetime reduction in greenhouse gas emissions for projects (not including regenerative agriculture) is estimated to be roughly 85,000 metric tons CO2e.
- Clean energy – 21 grants
- Transportation decarbonization – 14 grants
- Regenerative agriculture/Green infrastructure – 17 grants
- Workforce and contractor development – 10 grants
- Planning – 6 grants
- Other – 3 grants
Total requested funding authorization
| RFP 3 grant funds | $85,107,717 |
| Contingency funds | $6,808,617 |
| Total | $91,916,334 |
Application review process and scoring criteria
The application review process included eligibility screening, technical review, and applicant vetting prior to applications moving to scoring panels and final recommended portfolio development. Applications were scored on criteria specific to their project type. Applications that included a workforce and contractor development (WCD) component, along with implementation of energy efficiency, renewable energy, green infrastructure, regenerative agriculture, and/or transportation decarbonization components were scored on all relevant criteria, with scores weighted based on the share of the budget allocated to each area of work. Each application had an opportunity to receive up to 100 points. Scoring criteria and information is publicly available online.
Scoring panels
Applications that passed the screening for eligibility, technical feasibility, and applicant vetting were assigned to a scoring panel. Each panel consisted of three members, including PCEF Committee members, program staff, and subject matter experts, with efforts made to ensure diversity and gender balance. Panelists received training on scoring criteria and anti-bias awareness and instructed to avoid direct communication with applicants. The scoring process included individual scoring by reviewers, averaging of scores by PCEF staff, and providing applicants an opportunity to respond to their scores and any clarifying questions. The panel then convened to discuss and finalize scores. Applications needed to receive more than half of the available points to be considered for funding. Additionally, PCEF staff calculated a GHG impact score, which was factored into the overall application score.
Recommended portfolio development
The recommended portfolio was developed based on a ranking of application scores, the allocations for each fund area, and the strength of proposals. Due to the overwhelming number of strong proposals, the recommended portfolio includes greater funding than initially anticipated. To maximize the impact of available funds and support more projects, PCEF staff made strategic adjustments to its recommendation. Approximately 30% of projects (23 total) in the recommendation were downscaled, particularly those requesting over $1 million. This approach enabled PCEF to include more community partners and expand the impact of the projects. All eligible applications submitted for funding can be viewed on the online portal.
Read Council Exhibit A, RFP 3 funding recommendations
City Council review
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PCEF Round 3 RFP recommended portfolio
1221 SW 4th Ave, Room 130
Portland, OR 97204
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About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) develops creative and practical solutions to enhance Portland’s livability, preserve distinctive places and plan for a resilient future. BPS collaborates with community partners to provide comprehensive land use, neighborhood, district, economic, historic and environmental planning, and urban design; research, policy and technical services to advance green building, energy efficiency and the use of solar and renewable energy, waste prevention, composting and recycling, and a sustainable food system; and, policy and actions to address climate change.
About the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) initiative was passed by 65% of Portland voters in November 2018. It provides a consistent, long-term funding source and oversight structure to ensure that our community's climate action efforts are implemented to support social, economic and environmental benefits for all Portlanders, particularly communities of color and low-income residents. The initiative was supported by a broad coalition of groups and individuals and represents the first environmental initiative in Oregon led by communities of color.